The Other 46

I’m often forced to make difficult decisions when it comes to planning my Virginia itinerary.  With 200 plus wineries throughout the state, and that number growing each month, it’s a painful selection process. That said I always include the “classics” and make an effort to visit a new and upcoming winery. Since their opening in [...]

Overshadowed by its bigger brother, the outstanding Octagon, Barboursville Vineyards produces a reserve Cabernet Franc that can stand toe-to-toe with any in the world. The Barboursville Vineyards Cabernet Franc Reserve is the house red wine at the world famous “The Inn at Little Washington“, the only Five Star and Five Diamond inn and restaurant in America. [...]

Terroir is the French term in wine used to describe the role geography, soil and climate of a certain place plays on a grape variety.  To put simply, you either have it or you don’t. Glen Manor Vineyards, located in Front Royal, Virginia, certainly has it.  Owner and winemaker Jeff White has turned his 4th generation [...]

One of the few remaining states to restrict direct-to-consumer shipments, New Jersey wineries have been mired in a battle to legalize direct shipping.  Several bills are in play and I encourage my New Jersey readers to write your legislators today.  Already the seventh-largest wine-producing state, New Jersey winemaking is the fastest-growing segment of state agriculture, according [...]

If you’re a regular reader, you’ll remember my prior review of the Smoky Hills Merlot, a wine produced from grapes grown outside of the state (We’re Not in Kansas Anymore). It’s no secret that I’m not a proponent of this practice and would prefer wineries source grapes from within the state.  Be it a hybrid [...]

With the summer months upon us and the warm weather here to stay, it’s an ideal time to begin exploring the popular, versatile, Sauvignon Blanc.  The perfect warm-weather wine, Sauvignon Blancs range in flavor from grassy to mineraly to fruity.  An alternative to the popular Chardonnay, the variety is starting to gain a footfold in some [...]

Syrah is renowned throughout the Rhône Valley in France, famous across Australia (Shiraz) and continues to grow in popularity in California.  So imagine my surprise when I pulled the cork on a varietal Syrah from Ohio.  You read correctly, Ohio!  The Syrah hails from Kinkead Ridge Vineyard and Winery, located in Ripley, Ohio.  I’ve raved [...]